white pcb standoff
A PCB standoff is a type of small fastener — used in the construction of electronics — that has a simple function. Engineers and designers use it to mount a printed circuit board (PCB) to a device such as a computer or to raise an assembly above another.

Why are PCB standoffs so important for so many types of electronics? How do they work, and what kind of PCB standoffs are available from Polycase? We’ve got the answers coming up.

How PCB Standoffs Work

PCB standoffs (also called PCB supports) are made of plastic or metal and may either have a male or female end. Due to their different sizes, shapes and connections, you can use them to mount boards of different sizes. They’re closely related to PCB spacers, another type of small fastener that you’ll see widely used to keep circuit boards in the correct position within an electronics enclosure. Circuit board standoffs, however, are designed specifically for the purpose of mounting a PCB at the correct height and locking it in place.

PCB standoffs are essential in securing a board tightly to a device. In many devices, such as a computer, the board is attached to what is called a base plate. The base plate attaches to the wall of the computer, and the standoff attaches directly to the base plate. The idea is to keep a small space between the board and the computer wall. This is usually to prevent parts from coming into contact with each other in order to prevent shorts and make devices safer.

Usage in Computers

In personal computers, boards are stacked for the sake of saving space. A PCB standoff attaches the computer’s motherboard while elevating it off the side of the computer wall. Since these boards get hot during operation, the standoff keeps the board away from the side and allows the heat to run over or under the board. A fan is installed in the computer to keep the air circulating.

computer chip motherboard

Types of Standoffs

There are two common types of standoffs: metal and plastic.

Metal Standoffs: Metal standoffs are great for high temperature applications since they are heat-resistant. They are ideal if you need to maintain a circuit since metal is conductive, and many are available with a hex design that makes them easy to tighten using a standard hex wrench. Popular materials include brass, steel and aluminum. Metal standoffs are typically available with a threaded mounting style, with a variety of thread sizes that include metric threaded options.

Plastic Standoffs: Plastic standoffs are non-conductive electrical insulators, reducing the risk of shorts. They also offer high resistance to corrosive substances. Popular materials include nylon, PVC and polycarbonate and they can be available with various mounting styles such as threaded, snap-in or adhesive. Polycase’s MB Series standoffs are made from heavy duty polycarbonate plastic and feature an easy-mount adhesive base.

Custom Standoffs

Although most devices are fitted with conventional standoffs, other devices may require custom or special standoffs due to their design. For instance, some computers contain metal standoffs with clips for securing them to the base plate. The clips are there to keep the plate from sliding from the standoff.

If your device has a custom standoff, you’ll use the same methods for installing them as you would regular standoffs. Whether you’re attaching the plate to the base of the device or stacking plates, the approach is the same. The only downside to custom standoffs is finding a replacement part. You may have to special order them, and they may be slightly more expensive.

Choosing the Right PCB Case

So now that you know what PCB standoffs do, let’s take a quick look at the importance of selecting the best PCB enclosure for your application. These enclosures are designed to protect all of your electronic components and hardware, including your PCB standoffs. For example, aluminum PCB enclosures are lightweight yet durable and can be freestanding or surface mounted.

Tips for Installing Standoffs

Create a Template

engineer repairing laptop motherboardBefore you connect the metal standoff to the computer base plate, use a piece of paper or cardboard and create a template first. This allows you to mark the installation holes on the plate. Just color in the holes to create dots on the paper where the standoffs will go. Punch holes in the paper where the dots are.

Place the paper on the base plate and color in the dots on the plate. Now, all you have to do is align the holes on the board with the dots on the base plate and you are ready to install the PCB. By creating a template, you will relieve yourself of guesswork and mistakes during installation.

Install the Standoffs Before the Board

Before you install the board, you’ll need to place the standoffs on the base plate first. If you are using plastic units, snap them into place or position their adhesive bases in the desired locations on your base plate.

If you are using metal units, you’ll need to screw them in. Remember to grab an appropriately sized hex wrench if you’re using hex standoffs. Just make sure you don’t install them too tight or you may strip out the hole in the base plate.

Securing the Board

Once you install the standoffs, it’s time to secure the PCB to the device. Before you begin, make sure you have the right standoffs for your specific PCB. Then, align the holes on the board with the dots on the base plate. Insert the standoffs through the holes, securing them onto the base plate, and the project is complete!

PCB Standoffs from Polycase

Polycase offers MB Series PCB standoffs for mounting your PCB. These easy-to-use stick-on standoffs remove the need to create mounting holes or tighten with a wrench. Instead, use their peel-off adhesive bases to attach them to your base plate wherever you want them. For maximum compatibility with common PCB components, they’re designed to accommodate standard ⅛” mounting holes on 1/16” thick PCBs.

We also offer a wide range of products for all your manufacturing needs, including PCB enclosures. Many of our most popular electronics enclosures include built-in PCB mounting bosses. We even offer snap-together enclosures that hold your circuit board in place without any special modifications, connectors or tools.

With over 65 years of continuous service, Polycase is a leading manufacturer and distributor of electrical and electronic enclosures. We’re ready to be your trusted partner when you need to specify the right electronics enclosures for your project. Shop our PCB standoffs now, or browse our electronics project boxes to find your perfect solution for mounting your circuit board.
In Circuit Board Enclosures, Accessories